Art Show turns Seneca High School into gallery
Jazz music filled the air. Conversations on different types of art were held. Young artists discussed their pieces with interested buyers. For one night, the media center at Seneca High School was transformed from library into art gallery.
With between 200 and 300 kids in the school’s art program, the media center was packed throughout the evening of May 15 as students, parents, residents and art enthusiasts wandered the aisles taking in sculptures, stencils, watercolors and more. The school estimated that 1,000 people may have attended the three-hour event. The show is the result of the work the students put in throughout the school year.
“From the first day of school they know when the date is and they work towards it all year. It is our big finale,” art teacher
Bob Dooley said. “This is just a snippet of the work they’ve done this year. Typically they’re working on a new project every two weeks or so.”
All six of the school’s art programs, from Art I to Advanced Placement Studio Art, participate in the event with the required number of pieces varying by which class students participate in.
“It’s a lot of work but it’s kind of awesome. You know this event is coming all year and you have to get everything done but it is all just worth it,” Art II student Calista Shontz said. “To see your work on display and hear people say it’s good is an amazing experience.”
The experience of seeing their work be studied by their families, friends as well as people they’ve never met is one that doesn’t get old. Senior Shelby Feltoon has been a part of the show since she started at Seneca.
“No, you never get tired of seeing your work on display, coming to these shows is incredible. It’s so exciting,” Feltoon said.
Senior Samantha Hagmayer, fresh off the lacrosse field, was not alone in seeing some of her pieces being sold to interested patrons.
“It’s long and a lot of work but to see your friends and people you know admire your pieces is extremely rewarding,” Hagmayer said.
The lessons from their years in Seneca’s art program are something that will stay with them whether they pursue art or not at the collegiate level.
“I’ve learned that I am capable of the unimaginable and so is every one else. Nobody should limit themselves. When I first started art, I enjoyed it but I was not very good. Sure it takes hard work, dedication, patience and time but if you have the drive and passion, you can create anything,” senior Stephanie Flemming said.
